The Nasrid Palaces at Alhambra offer a captivating glimpse into the rich Moorish history of Southern Spain. These palaces were built by the Nasrid Dynasty who ruled this area of Spain during the 13th to 15th century. They designed these palaces for the sultans and their families who lived there while ruling in Spain. A visit here offers a delightful and enriching experience, blending fascinating history, culture, and architectural wonder. The Nasrid Palaces are made up of three main palaces or sections (Comares Palace, Lion’s Palace, and Partal Palace) nestled within the larger Alhambra complex. They consist of a series of interconnected courtyards, halls and rooms that are filled with intricate colorful tilework, stucco designs, and geometric archways.
Our modern day journey to Nasrid Palaces
Granada, the city below the Alhambra and Nasrid Palaces, offers four urban buses covering the touristic areas. These small red buses navigate the steep and narrow roads leading to key sights. We could take Bus C30 or Bus C32 from Plaza Isabel la Catolica to the Nasrid Palaces. This is the stop near the large statue of the queen near the cathedral. We had purchased tickets for a specific admission time in advance and were going to begin our visit to Alhambra with a visit to the Nasrid Palaces. The Nasrid Palaces have strict timed entry requirements. However, the ticket is good for all the other sights at Alhambra all day. We rode bus C32 and got off at Pta. De La Justicia, which was not the first the stop at Alhambra. It was the closest stop to the Nasrid Palaces, which is helpful to know if you begin your visit at the palaces. The Alhambra complex is vast so you may want to get off at the nearest stop. We were the only tourists on the very full bus to not get off at the first Alhambra stop. If you are unsure which stop is best, mention Nasrid Palaces (not just Alhambra) to the bus driver and he should understand which stop you need. At least that was true in our case.
The photo above shows the map of Alhambra from our bus stop.
This photo shows our family riding the little red tourist bus around Granada.
You can see in the photo above the entrance to Alhambra nearest to the Alcazaba and Nasrid Palaces.
Queuing up for entry
There was a long line outside the Nasrid Palaces. It wasn’t the only line in the area so I had to ask an attendant to confirm we were in the right one. She told me everyone in the line had the same entry time. And when the time came, the line moved very quickly letting everyone in all at once. It was clear we had to bring our passports to get in. But I was surprised that our passports were our tickets! They scanned our passports (not the tickets I printed) and let us in, so don’t leave your passport behind when visiting here.
Once inside, all I can say is "wow!"
I am actually a bit nervous about writing this post. The Nasrid Palaces were so amazing that I am not sure I can do them justice. However, I am really excited to share this place with you! We entered first into the Mexuar Palace. It was the entrance and reception area of the palaces. Visiting diplomats and dignitaries would have entered here too, seeking an audience with the sultan. It is an excellent example of Nasrid architecture, but also has significant historical value in the treaties and resolutions that were likely signed there. In addition to serving as a window into the past, visitors get glimpses of panoramic views of Granada and the surrounding landscape. We could even see the lookout point we had been at the previous evening, to see Alhambra at sunset.
The Oratory, located at the back of the Mexuar Palace offering panoramic views.
A view from the Nasrid Palaces.
Colorful tilework and detailed stucco
The colorful tilework and detailed stucco are truly a sight to experience. These decorative features make give the Nasrid Palaces its mesmerizing beauty.
The full combination comes together to create an atmosphere of enchantment and grandeur. The colors bring the walls to life, and it seemed like there were new details around every corner. I enjoyed marveling at the craftsmanship and artistry of Islamic and Andalusian architecture.
Lots of colorful geometric patterns and tile mosaics, made from vivid hues.
Intricately carved stucco reliefs on the walls and ceilings showcasing fine detail.
The mudejar style woodwork in this ceiling speaks to the craftmanship of those who created it. The wood is adorned by a geometric pattern with gold detailing that enhances it.
Even the doors are art; framed in intricate detail. I have a collection of door photos from the palace!
Mesmerized by the Court of the Myrtles
The Patio de los Arrayanes (Court of the Myrtles) is at the heart of the palaces. It is a long rectangular courtyard with a long rectangle pool at its center, receiving water from two fountains, one at each end. The pool is surrounded by myrtle bushes giving the courtyard its current name. This tranquil oasis feels like a hidden gem. The water is so clear that it mirrors the stunning scene surrounding it. The photos below show it at both ends.
A visual feast
I tried to capture how much was happening visually inside this palace. You can see in the photos below how different colored and patterned tiles come together with stucco carvings to create a cohesive scene that is both unique and timelessly beautiful.
Legend of the Hall of the Abencarrajes
The Hall of the Abencarrajes (shown below) is famous for its stunning ceiling and its stories. The star shaped ceiling is striking and easily allows you to feel you have entered a world of fairytales and legends. Lots of important meetings and events happened here. Legend has it that during the Nasrid Dynasty’s rule, there was a group of prominent knights known as the Abencarrajes. A beautiful daughter of a powerful nobleman caught the eye of one of the knights and they fell deeply in love. However, the woman was promised to another nobleman who was jealous and angry upon discovering this secret affair. He went to the sultan and accused the knights of plotting against the kingdom. The sultan had the knights executed right there, in that hall. The unjust bloodshed is said to stain the marble floors and walls.
Searching for more secrets
The palaces likely hold many secrets and echoes of emotions that transcend time. To really get a feel for it, I had to go through the rooms very slowly and lean in to discover its details. The images below show the detail from a wall, and also some stained glass I found in a small ceiling alcove in one room.
It seemed like paintings you might find in a European castle were absent. But at some point, I even peaked a glimpse of a painting. You can see this in the photos below. It was interesting that a lot of these details weren’t obvious. If you just walk through the rooms, you are likely to miss them. In some instances, I really had to strain my neck to get a good look (or photo)!
Experiencing the Palace of the Lions
The Palace of the Lions was the private apartment of the royal family. It has a central marble patio with a central fountain surrounded by twelve lions. The patio opens to several columned galleries similar to that of a Christian cloister. Inhabitants also had direct access from here to multiple rooms. If you look closely at the floor of the courtyard, you can see that lines come out from each side forming a cross. At the end of each line is a fountain. It was really cool how water connected all these points!
Daraxa's Mirador and Garden
The mirador is a rectangular room with two arches across from each other and a double arch in the center looking out at Daraxa’s Garden. The garden has a large marble fountain in the center surrounded by various trees (orange trees included!) and hedged box bushes.
Photo above: Daraxa’s Mirador, looking out at Daraxa’s Garden
Photo above: Daraxa’s Garden
Photo above: Patio of the Wrought Iron Grille
The gardens were as beautiful as the interiors
The gardens at the palaces were also beautiful (and I am not talking about the Generalife Gardens on the other side of Alhambra). Every inch was ornately manicured and symmetrically stunning. Similar to the marble courtyards, fountains were central. I spotted the trees in the second photo below that looked like they were covered in green carpet. The lush dense greenery was perfectly sculpted.
Exploring the Nasrid Gardens and finding photo ops
We were in no hurry to leave the Nasrid Palaces. As we exited the last palace, there were so many details to explore in the garden area, like the fountains, pond, lily pads, and mosaic stone path. We took our time to mentally absorb the details, fresh air, and pose for some impromptu family photos. The cover photo for this story was taken out here in the garden (unedited and taken with my old Samsung S20 FE cell phone). It was one of my favorite photos I took at the Alhambra!
Planning Your Visit
Alhambra official website:
Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife (alhambra-patronato.es)
Opening hours and prices:
Opening hours and prices – Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife (alhambra-patronato.es)
Online Official Tickets:
Home – Tickets Alhambra Patronato (alhambra-patronato.es)
Important information about your ticket:
- You must present your official ID card or passport at the entrance to enter the monumental complex.
- Punctuality is very important for accessing the Nasrid Palaces!
- Carry the QR code for your ticket in physical or digital format.
Interactive Alhambra Map:
Helpful tips to know in advance of your visit:
Helpful tips – Tickets Alhambra Patronato (alhambra-patronato.es)
Information on official App and Audioguides:
Audioguides – Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife (alhambra-patronato.es)
Getting around Granada and Alhambra:
Our family purchased the 10 EUR Travel Card on board a bus, and shared the card during our visit. Rides were discounted at the time to .42 to .44 cents using this card, compared with 1.40 EUR for a single ride ticket. We paid 2 EUR for the initial card, plus the value. Then you can top it off as needed. More information on the Granada tourist buses which provide transportation to all the tourist sites is available from here.
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